Primary School ADHD

ADHD matters in primary schools because it can affect attention, impulse control, and classroom learning. This page gives primary school teachers practical strategies to support focus, reduce disruptions, and create a better learning environment for every child.

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Subscription | Smiling Mind Primary School Program - Individual Educator Subscription

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Unlocking the Potential Behind the Energy

While ADHD presents undeniable challenges in a busy classroom, it also comes with incredible strengths like creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and high energy. The key lies in shifting our approach from trying to make these students "sit still" to creating an environment where their unique brains can thrive. By incorporating purposeful movement, providing subtle sensory tools, and breaking tasks into bite-sized, achievable steps, you can help these natural innovators find their focus and feel successful.

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Webinar | Early Learning Webinar: Identifying & Supporting Anxiety in Young Children

Podcast | The SecEd Podcast: Mental Health in Schools

Course | Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Creativity

Course | Challenging Behavior in the Classroom: Emotional Regulation Course for Neurodiverse Students

Grades

Our most loved ADHD providers

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Sue Larkey

Training Express

Springer School and Center

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Scientific Articles

Research and scientific publications on the topic.

Good Behavior Game: Effects on Disruptive Behaviors of Students with and Without Special Educational Needs in Inclusive Setting

Emrah Gulboy, Hicran Denizli-Gulboy, Salih Rakap

Single-case ABAB classroom study with students with and without special needs. Playing the Good Behavior Game greatly reduced disruptive behavior, with similar gains for both groups. Teachers can use this team-based game during lessons to reward on-task behavior and reduce disruptions.

A Randomized Effectiveness Trial of a Behavioral Teacher Program Targeting ADHD Symptoms

Betty Veenman, Marjolein Luman, Jan Hoeksma, Karlijn Pieterse, Jaap Oosterlaan

Randomized trial of the Positivity & Rules Program with 114 primary students showing ADHD symptoms. Teacher training plus classroom activities reduced ADHD behaviors and improved social skills at school. Provides a structured classroom-wide approach teachers can adapt to their own classes.

Family-School Intervention for Children with ADHD: Results of Randomized Clinical Trial

Thomas J Power, Jennifer A Mautone, Stephen L Soffer, Angela T Clarke, Stephen A Marshall, Jaclyn Sharman, Nathan J Blum, Marianne Glanzman, Josephine Elia, Abbas F Jawad

Randomized clinical trial of a program for grades 2–6 combining conjoint consultation, daily report cards, and homework supports. Improved family–school relationships and homework performance. Shows how teachers can partner with parents using structured communication and behavior plans.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Integrated Home-School Behavioral Treatment for ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type

Linda Pfiffner, Amori Yee Mikami, Barbara Easterlin, Cynthia Huang-Pollock, Christine Zalecki, Keith McBurnett

Randomized controlled trial of the Child Life and Attention Skills Program for 7–11-year-olds with inattentive ADHD. Coordinated teacher, parent, and child strategies improved inattention and organization. Highlights daily report cards and close home–school collaboration teachers can use.

School-Based Interventions for Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions

George J DuPaul

Review of research on classroom interventions for ADHD in primary and secondary schools. Highlights effective practices such as token systems, task modifications, and self-management training. Helps teachers select and tailor strategies to improve attention, behavior, and academic work.

Podcasts

Audio content and podcast episodes related to the topic.

231: 5 Best Strategies for Managing ADHD in the Classroom

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

S1 E11: ADHD in the Classroom - Practical Strategies Every Teacher Needs

Miss Estruch

Supporting ADHD in the Classroom: Practical Strategies for Diagnosed & Undiagnosed Students

Tem Ezimokhai

Books

A carefully curated collection of books on the topic.

Managing ADHD in the K–8 Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide

Grad L. Flick

Managing ADHD in School: The Best Evidence-Based Methods for Teachers

Russell A. Barkley

The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders, 2nd Edition

Sandra F. Rief

ADHD & LD: Classroom Strategies At Your Fingertips

Sandra Rief

Rethinking Learning Disabilities: Understanding Children Who Struggle in School

Deborah P. Waber

Useful links

Useful tools and resources related to the topic.

ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Children Succeed in School

Explains proven classroom strategies, behavior plans, and accommodations for students with ADHD. Primary teachers can use the step‑by‑step tips to design routines, organize lessons, and work with parents and specialists.

Classroom Accommodations for Students With ADHD

Lists concrete ADHD accommodations such as seating, visuals, and task supports. Primary teachers can quickly choose and try strategies that fit their students’ needs and use the printable checklist for planning.

17 Ways to Help Students With ADHD Concentrate

Shares simple, teacher-tested ideas like fidgets, flexible seating, and movement breaks. Primary teachers can quickly pick a few ideas to help active students focus without disrupting learning.

Tips to Help Kids with ADHD Focus in School

Outlines practical strategies such as routines, visuals, group work, and movement. Primary teachers can use these ideas to design supportive daily structures for students with ADHD.

10 Tips for Teaching Students with LD and ADHD from Special Education Teacher Shira Moskovitz

Offers advice from a special educator on breaking tasks down, building routines, and collaborating with support staff. Primary teachers can adapt the tips for inclusive classrooms.

Frequently asked questions

Practical resources and inspiration to prepare children for the future.

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